The National Beef Association (NBA) is returning to its Northumberland roots for NBA Beef Expo 2014, which is also putting grassroots showing back on the agenda.

The key beef industry event will be staged at Hexham Auction Mart on May 22, 2014 for the first time since 2010. One of the highlights of the event will be the National Spring Spectacular Show, featuring 16 halter-led classes for baby beef, native and continental cattle plus championship classes. With an overall prize fund of £6000, the overall Supreme Champion will take home a £700 prize.

Robert Addison, Chair of NBA Beef Expo 2014 reiterates the importance of the show classes: “Building on the successes of 2010, we are absolutely delighted to be hosting this event once again at Hexham Auction Mart.  We are working on a very exciting programme, and hope that this will be well supported by all aspects of the agricultural community. The National Spring Spectacular Show is a very important element of this showcase as it really does demonstrate the very best of British Beef.”

Four special classes have been organised to encourage young handlers plus novices who have always fancied a crack at showing, but were concerned their animals would be overshadowed by some of the high-value cattle shown by experienced competitors.

Class 7, is restricted to steers purchased at auction for less than £1,400 and class 14 is open to heifers bought under the same criteria. To ensure absolute fairness, competitors must submit their purchase receipt with their entry form.

The final two classes of the day are open to young handlers aged between 12 and 21, showing an animal that was previously entered in the beef section of the show. To widen the scope of the classes, the animal does not have to be owned by the handler or their family. Entry for the young handler classes is free of charge.

National Spring Spectacular Show co-ordinator Julie Sedgewick said: “The idea of these classes is to give people a first taste of showing, whether they are young handlers or older people who want to experience a competition without the added pressure of competing against seasoned professionals. 

“Young handler classes are always great fun and are often the first rung on the ladder for handlers who are bitten by the showing bug and go on to great success in the ring. But we’ve also found that many people who fancy having a go, but are too old for the young handler classes, have been put off because they can’t afford the expensive animals that tend to dominate many of the big showing classes.

“By introducing the £1,400 limit for two classes, we hope to encourage novice handlers to come to Hexham and try their hand at showing. We’re hoping for a big entry in both these and the young handler classes.”